How Stonyfield could’ve gotten it right

By Michael Stebbins. Stebbins is the Director of External Engagement for the Council for Biotechnology Information. Raised on an apple and grape farm just outside Buffalo, NY, he has been in Washington, D.C. for more than 20 years working on a variety of issues in the medical, science, and technology fields.

Amid backlash, Stonyfield released a statement (which has since been taken down) clarifying its position on GMOs, but also accusing the online community of “trolling” and using “fake accounts” — deleting thousands of comments and banning many of the users who shared opposing views.

Banning questions and comments about GMOs isn’t the answer. Engaging in conversation with skeptics and answering tough questions just might be.

But what was intended to shutdown consumers’ voices only magnified them. Many took to their blogs and social media pages to share what happened — and more than 700 others joined the newly created, “Banned by Stonyfield” Facebook page.

And just like that, an “exciting” new ad quickly turned into a brand’s nightmare — but it didn’t have to go down like that. Here’s three things Stonyfield and other brands can takeaway from this experience.

Over the last 20 years, GMOs have reduced pesticide applications 8.1% and helped increased crop yields by 22%.

2. Inform consumers, don’t fearmonger.

The Stonyfield video ended with the statement, “It’s important to know what’s in your food.”

That’s correct.

And consumers are interested in learning how their food is grown and raised. So rather than exploiting their knowledge gaps, food companies have an opportunity to help educate, using science-based information and facts.

If you don’t — those who are informed will, including GMO Answers. So when people hear, “They take a gene from a fish and put it into the tomato,” they’ll know it’s a myth.

If you have questions or need a resource, GMO Answers is here to help you understand GMOs and make informed food choices. We can also connect you with farmers, scientists and other biotechnology experts who can answer your questions about GMOs.